THEY'VE come a long way since car trouble plagued their time together at Bournemouth.

And Wade Elliott hopes to find an extra gear against Preston tomorrow that will leave boyhood pal Brian Stock blowing a gasket in a familiar-looking engine room!

Elliott and Stock formed half of the Cherries first choice midfield last season - ironically alongside Clarets duo Garreth O'Connor and John Spicer.

And with friends about to be reunited, all talk is sure to surround the formative years two of them spent together, both at Dean Court and kicking their heels on motorway hard shoulders!

"Brian and I have known each other a long time, dating back to the same junior school," said Elliott.

"We grew up together and later we both used to car share at Bournemouth. I remember when we both had our first cars, we spent more time on the side of the motorway than actually on the road itself.

"My car was a little Fiesta and it was a real wreck. We used to have to stop twice on the way into training to fill up with water because it was constantly leaking out, but when Brian wanted to change the radio station he used to have to lean out the window to adjust the coat hanger!"

All roads now lead to Turf Moor as Burnley look to steer themselves back to winning ways for the first time this year.

One point from the last twelve has seen Steve Cotterill's men overtaken in the play-off race by Preston, who are looking to extend a proud 18 game unbeaten run dating back to late September.

And the game has taken on extra significance for Burnley's former Bournemouth trio since Stock completed his eventful £125,000 switch to Deepdale.

North End's new signing was forced into a mad motorway dash to face Millwall last weekend, even eating his pre-match meal in a Sainsbury's close to Deepdale after an initial loan deal was struck just hours before kick off.

"I spoke to Brian earlier this week when he was finally driving up again to sign," said Elliott.

"We joked how it would feel really odd because there could be the entire Bournemouth midfield from last year on show tomorrow.

"But if that's the case at least the three of us can gang up on Brian and hopefully keep him quiet.

"I am sure we'll reminisce afterwards, but he certainly won't be getting any friendly treatment from Garreth, John or me before the game!"

Victory over their Lancashire rivals would take Burnley back to within two points of North End and right back into the ever-changing play-off race.

An eventful, albeit scoreless first meeting back in September was arguably shaded by the Clarets, who are looking to build on the impressive home form that has seen them win six of the last seven at Turf Moor.

"It's a great game to look forward to and it's shaping into a big game in many respects," added Elliott.

"We know it's important for the fans and the club, but it's a big game for the players too because a big performance will give the whole place a lift."